Examination Appeals Board

On this page:

Procedure

Every university has its own Examination Appeals Board, or COBEX
(College van Beroep voor de Examens). The COBEX is charged primarily
with evaluating decisions taken by examinations boards and examiners. You can
also lodge an appeal with the COBEX against decisions taken by an admissions
board or entrance examination committee. However, note that if you do not agree
with an examination on the grounds of an administrative error, you do not need
to appeal to the COBEX; in that case, you should discuss the error with staff at
the Student Desk of your study programme.

Notice of appeal

If you do not agree with a decision taken by an examinations board or
examiner, you have six weeks in which to appeal it. An appeal may concern issues
such as the following:

examination results;

examinations board decisions pursuant to a student request for e.g. an
exemption or additional resits;

sanctions imposed for established fraud or plagiarism;

a binding negative advice regarding continuation of studies;

decisions regarding admission to a Master’s programme.

The notice of appeal must be submitted to the COBEX and must include at least
the following: your name and address, the date and the grounds for your appeal.
Your letter must also provide a clear description of the decision that you are
appealing against. Please also include a copy of the decision and be sure to
provide your signature on the letter.

Confirmation

You will receive a confirmation of receipt of the notice of appeal. You may
also be asked to provide additional information. The person(s) who took the
decision at issue will be asked to determine if an amicable settlement may be
possible. If not, the COBEX prepares a response to the appeal, of which you will
receive a copy. Based on that response, you will have to decide whether you wish
to withdraw or pursue the appeal.

Hearing

In the event that you wish to pursue the appeal, a hearing will be scheduled
at the earliest possible opportunity. The chair of the examinations board or a
representative will also be invited to attend. Both parties can opt to engage
legal counsel to represent or advise them. You must engage such legal counsel
yourself.

At the hearing, you will have the chance to present your case to the COBEX.
The hearing will be led by the COBEX, consisting of an external chairperson and
two members. Both you and the opposing party will have the chance to explain
your respective positions at the hearing.

COBEX decision

Under Section 7.61, paragraph 2 of the Higher Education and Research Act
(Wet op het Hoger Onderwijs en Wetenschappelijk onderzoek, or WHW), the
COBEX must assess whether the contested decision is within the law. It is not
authorised to assess the content of your completed papers or examinations.
Following the hearing, you will receive the COBEX’s decision in writing, stating
whether the initial decision is to be upheld or a new decision taken. This
decision is drawn up in the Dutch language.

Costs

There are no costs involved in the objection procedure.

Composition of the Examination Appeals Board

Prof. B.W.N. de Waard – chair

A.J.C. de Moor - deputy chair

G.J.M. Veerman – deputy chair/ member

K.A.W.M. de Jong - deputy chair / member

R. Wilders – academic staff member

F.T. Groenewegen - academic staff member

P.G.M. Eversman - academic staff member

P.A. Starreveld - academic staff member

I. Hitimana - student member

B. van Laar - student member

M. van Kernebeek - student member

C.F. den Hartogh - student member

H. Bahadurzada - student member

N. van den Brink - secretary

E.L.C.M. Rijnders - deputy secretary

Further information

Section 3 of the Student Charter provides information about legal
protection for students at the UvA.